TORCHES IN TREES "FEELING OF A FIGURE"

Take one part Britpop, add one part Sub-Pop, mix thoroughly and let simmer on a shimmering psychedelic flame, and you have this week’s featured artist Torches in Trees.

Torches in Trees first caught my attention after reading about how they played a guerrilla performance outside a club in China Town when they were denied access to their scheduled gig for being underage. Of course, this being a site built on guerrilla performances, I had to at least give them a listen based on that alone. Thankfully, the same creative adaptability that sparked this impromptu street performance, is also heavily present in their music... which is really quite good.

The trio proudly lists the likes of Radiohead, David Bowie and Neil Young as just a few of their musical influences. And though their styles may differ with those particular artists, Torches in Trees does share their affinity for continually adapting and deftly exploring new musical territories with each successive release. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing where their next one will take them.

Here’s what the band had to say about their music, ghosts and much more...

GORILLACOUSTIC: What does the world need to know about Torches in Trees?

TORCHES IN TREES: Azad can grow a beard real fast, Bridgette is obsessed with the smell of laundry, and Eric just smells. I guess we like playing around with sounds and melodies...? We hope that people enjoy eating while listening to our music.

GA: Why did you choose to perform along the Arroyo Seco under Suicide Bridge?

TT: The Arroyo Seco is a big landmark of our town. From the obligatory childhood soccer games, to archery, horseback riding, and just plain ol' lovely scenery, we've really spent a lot of time there growing up. We didn't really think consciously about deciding to perform under Suicide Bridge, aside from it just being one of our favorite spots, but now we look back and can't help but be fascinated with the history behind it all. It's really the only place in town where you feel like you're somewhere else.

GA: The bridge is supposed to be haunted. Do you believe in ghosts? And, have you had any ghost encounters of your own?

TT: Oh yes, we do! One of the creepiest stories we've heard is that one woman hung herself from the bridge and stayed there for two weeks because everyone thought it was merely a Halloween decoration. As for encounters of our own, Azad and Bridgette room together in a very old house and have had several encounters with a woman in a robe. The previous owner's wife died in the house, so there's no doubt in our minds that she's been roaming the place. Eric says" Totes man, I've had a run in with a ghost before." He says he saw a man in the closet room of his house and ran screaming to his parents.

GA: We talked horror movies a bit. Do you have a favorite?

TT: It's hard not to go with Psycho. Bridgette is a big Hitchcock fan so has trouble choosing between them, but would probably settle on The Birds. 28 Days Later scared the pants off Azad the first time he saw it. Eric doesn't like scary movies and says he's only entertained by big summer blockbusters.

GA: What other local artists (besides yourselves of course) should people be checking out?

TT: Jubilee Singers, Tremellow, Owl. There is this band who isn't exactly local, but feel more people should know about. They're called Colour Revolt and they're one of the best signed bands that nobody knows.

GA: If you could do another gorillacoustic performance anywhere else in the world, where would you do it?

TT: Iceland, definitely. Although we're torn between the green pastures and the volcanoes. Two against one for volcanoes, though.

GA: Collectively you find a magic lamp and have to split the 3 wishes. What do each of you with for?

TT: Azad would wish for enough money to buy all the gear he wants, travel, and fill up the fridge . Bridgette would wish for a pet donkey to ride to and fro, that she would probably name "Stephen Malkmus The Donkey". Eric says he wants a $270 gift card to Chili's.